So we should find that some kinds of work were best done locally—that is, by each town or county—and that some were best done nationally, that is, by a body of officials acting for the nation.
For instance, tramways would be local and railways national; gas and water would be local and collieries national; police would be local and the army and navy national.
The kind of Socialism I am advocating here is Collectivism, or Practical Socialism. Motto: Britain for the British, the land and all the instruments of production, distribution, and exchange to be the property of the nation, and to be managed by the nation for the nation.
The land and railways, collieries, etc., to be bought from the present owners, but not at fancy prices.
Wages to be paid, and goods to be sold.
Thus, you see, Collectivism is really an extension of the principles, or ideas, of local government, and of the various corporation and civil services.
And now I tell you that is Socialism, and I ask you what is there in it to prevent any man from being a Christian, or from attending a place of worship, or from marrying, or being faithful to his wife, or from keeping and bringing up his children at home?
There is nothing in it to destroy religion, and there is nothing in it to destroy the home, and there is nothing in it to foster vice.
But there is something in it to kill ignorance and to destroy vice. There is something in it to shut up the gaols, to do away with prostitution, to reduce crime and drunkenness, and wipe out for ever the sweater and the slums, the beggars and the idle rich, the useless fine ladies and lords, and to make it possible for sober and willing workers to live healthy and happy and honourable lives.
For Socialism would teach and train all children wisely; it would foster genius and devotion to the common good; it would kill scamping and loafing and jerrymandering; it would give us better health, better homes, better work, better food, better lives, and better men and women.